Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The Model Policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools guidance document was developed in response to House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 161, enacted by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which directed the Virginia Department of Education to develop and make available to each school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students in public elementary and secondary schools. These guidelines address common issues regarding transgender students in accordance with evidence-based best practices and include information, guidance, procedures, and standards relating to: compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws; maintenance of a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students; prevention of and response to bullying and harassment; maintenance of student records; identification of students; protection of student privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive information; enforcement of sex-based dress codes; and student participation in sex-specific school activities, events, and use of school facilities.
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1/8/21  10:07 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Support
 

I wholeheartedly support the guidance document for the treatment of trans and gender non-binary students in middle and high school. These young people are at increased risk for being harassed or bullied, and are at increased risk for mental health problems which are not intrinsic to their gender status, but are the result of  bullying by classmates, or worse, by teachers or administrators. 

Inclusive policies based on current research and understanding of gender issues won't solve all the problems these students encounter--but it's appropriate for a school system to set the tone for how students are treated, and to lead the way in meeting their needs. Schools must be part of the solution, not part of the problem. 

CommentID: 88829